Compositions and methods for improving gastrointestinal function

ABSTRACT

Compositions and methods for improving gastrointestinal function and reducing the presence of gas bubbles in a gastrointestinal tract. A composition includes an effective amount of ginger root extract for reducing gas bubbles in a gastrointestinal tract and further includes propylene glycol and sodium chloride.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to compositions of matter andparticularly relates to compositions for improving function of thegastrointestinal tract.

BACKGROUND

The digestive system includes the gastrointestinal tract and otheraccessory organs of digestion. Digestion involves the breakdown of foodinto smaller components until nutrients can be absorbed and assimilatedinto the body. The gastrointestinal tract is an organ system within manyanimals that takes in food, digests the food to extract and absorbenergy and nutrients, and expels the remaining waste. The mouth,esophagus, stomach, and intestines are part of the gastrointestinaltract.

The digestive system includes complicated organs performing complexchemical and biological processes. Because the digestive system is verycomplex, many individuals suffer ailments of the digestive system thatmay be chronic or transitory. Common ailments of the digestive systeminclude, for example, gastroesophageal reflux disease, irritable bowelsyndrome, gallstones, constipation, stomach pains, excessive gas, andothers. Some individuals struggle with chronic discomfort or painassociated with digestive system and can therefore benefit from regularadministration of composition for improving gastrointestinal health.Further, some individuals experience transitory digestive discomfort andcan benefit from natural or medicinal remedies for improvinggastrointestinal health or reducing the presence of gas in thegastrointestinal tract.

In light of the foregoing, disclosed herein are compositions and methodsfor improving function of the gastrointestinal tract and reducing thepresence of gas in the gastrointestinal tract.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive implementations of the presentdisclosure are described with reference to the following figures,wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout thevarious views unless otherwise specified. Advantages of the presentdisclosure will become better understood with regard to the followingdescription and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 illustrates the chemical formula of 6-gingerol;

FIG. 2 illustrates the chemical formula of 6-shogael;

FIG. 3 illustrates the chemical formula of propylene glycol;

FIG. 4 is a schematic flow chart diagram of a method for reducing oreliminating gas bubbles in a gastrointestinal tract; and

FIG. 5 is a schematic flow chart diagram of a method for reducing oreliminating gas in a gastrointestinal tract.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Issues associated with the digestive system and the gastrointestinal(GI) tract are commonly treated with synthetic drugs. Synthetic drugsare expensive and cause genetic and metabolic alterations that can beunsafe for some individuals. Therefore, there is a desire to treatgastrointestinal issues with compositions including natural ingredientsand medicinal plants.

The digestive system is an important component of the body. Thedigestive system includes the gastrointestinal tract whereby food isdigested by the body. The gastrointestinal tract begins with the mouthand includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine,rectum, and anus. The human gastrointestinal tract is a single tubewhich is approximately nine meters long in relaxed condition. A disorderin any portion of the gastrointestinal tract can result in variousmalfunctions such as diseases of the digestive system and cancer.

Embodiments of the disclosure include compositions and methods forimproving gastrointestinal function and reducing symptoms of gas in thegastrointestinal tract. The compositions and methods disclosed hereinare water soluble to increase absorption of the active ingredients andimprove the efficacy of the active ingredients. In an embodiment, acomposition includes ginger root extract and specifically includes6-gingerol and 6-shogaol. The composition includes an effective amountof ginger root extract for reducing gas in the gastrointestinal tractand improving gastrointestinal function.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a member of the Zingiberaceae family.Chemical analysis of ginger shows that it includes over 400 differentcompounds. The major components in ginger rhizomes are carbohydrates(50-70%), lipids (3-8%), terpenes, and phenolic compounds. Terpenecomponents of ginger include zingiberene, β-bisabolene, α-farnesene,β-sesquiphellandrene, and α-curcumene. Phenolic compounds includegingerol, paradols, and shogaol. Gingerol and shogaol are found inhigher quantities than other components of ginger. Ginger furtherincludes amino acids, raw fiber, ash, protein, phytosterols, vitamins,and minerals.

The aromatic constituents of ginger include zingiberene and bisabolene.The pungent constituents include the gingerol-related compounds and theshogaol-related compounds. The gingerol- and shogaol-related compoundswithin ginger rhizome include 6-paradol, 1-dehydrogingerdione, and6-diarylhgeptanoids.

Ginger and its components have been shown to modulate a wide range ofsignaling molecules. Ginger may upregulate or downregulate the geneexpression of multiple different genes depending on the target andcellular context. Ginger extract increases production of antioxidantenzymes including reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD),and glutathione peroxidase. Ginger additionally targets phase IIdetoxification enzymes as well as nuclear localization of the Nrf2pathway.

Additionally, a number of targets of ginger and its components have beendocumented in different cancer prevention models, includingtranscription factors, enzymes, inflammatory mediators, protein kinases,drug resistance proteins, adhesion molecules, growth factor receptors,cell-cycle regulatory proteins, cell-survival proteins, chemokines, andchemokine receptors. In different gastrointestinal cancers, gingerextract inhibits transcription factor NF-kB, inflammatory cytokine,TNF-α, and other enzymes and proteins, which include xanthine oxidaseand myeloperoxidase.

The active ingredients of ginger, including 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol,target several cellular molecules that contribute to cell survival, cellproliferation, and angiogenesis. 6-gingerol modulates NF-κB, STAT3, Rb,MAPK, PI3K, Akt, ERK, cIAP1, cyclin A, Cdk, cathepsin D, andcaspase-3/7. Similarly, 6-shogaol targets NF-κB, STAT3, MAPK, PI3k/AktCa²⁺ signals, COX-2, cyclin D1, survivin, cIAP-1, XIAP, Bcl-2, MMP-9,caspase activation, ER stress, and eIF2α. Besides these, gingercomponent zerumbone modulates NF-κB, p53 VEGF, p21, and CXCR4expression.

In the following description of the disclosure, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shownby way of illustration specific implementations in which the disclosuremay be practiced. It is understood that other implementations may beutilized, and structural changes may be made without departing from thescope of the disclosure.

Before the structures, systems, methods, and compositions for improvinggastrointestinal function are disclosed and described, it is to beunderstood that this disclosure is not limited to the particularstructures, configurations, process steps, and materials disclosedherein as such structures, configurations, process steps, and materialsmay vary somewhat. It is also to be understood that the terminologyemployed herein is used for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting since the scope ofthe disclosure will be limited only by the appended claims andequivalents thereof.

In describing and claiming the subject matter of the disclosure, thefollowing terminology will be used in accordance with the definitionsset out below.

As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,”“characterized by,” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive oropen-ended terms that do not exclude additional, unrecited elements ormethod steps.

As used herein, the phrase “consisting of” and grammatical equivalentsthereof exclude any element, step, or ingredient not specified in theclaim.

As used herein, the phrase “consisting essentially of” and grammaticalequivalents thereof limit the scope of a claim to the specifiedingredients, materials or steps and those that do not materially affectthe basic and novel characteristic or characteristics of the claimeddisclosure.

As used herein, “effective amount” means an amount of an ingredient or acomponent of the product that is nontoxic, but sufficient to provide thedesired effect and performance at a reasonable benefit/risk ratioattending any dietary supplement or product. For example, an effectiveamount of a vitamin or mineral is an amount sufficient to prevent adeficiency thereof and to reduce the incidence of some adverse effects.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skillin the art to which this disclosure pertains and belongs.

Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments,examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whereverpossible, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings torefer to the same or like parts. It is further noted that elementsdisclosed with respect to particular embodiments are not restricted toonly those embodiments in which they are described. For example, anelement described in reference to one embodiment or figure, may bealternatively included in another embodiment or figure regardless ofwhether or not those elements are shown or described in anotherembodiment or figure. In other words, elements in the figures may beinterchangeable between various embodiments disclosed herein, whethershown or not.

Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates the chemical formula of6-gingerol, which is a form of gingerol. Gingerols are chemicalcompounds found in ginger root extract. Gingerols exhibit antioxidant,anti-tumor, and anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger root ex extract isshown to be effective at reducing or eliminating the presence of gasbubbles in the gastrointestinal tract.

Gingerols exhibit powerful medicinal properties. Specifically, gingerolsreduce symptoms of nausea, including nausea associated with pregnancy orsea sickness. Gingerols may relieve nausea or vomiting induced by drugssuch as general anesthesia or chemotherapy. Gingerols are effectiveagainst exercise-induced muscle pain and soreness and may reduce thetime to recover from exercise-induced pain or injury. Additionally,gingerols exhibit anti-inflammatory effects and can reduce bonedegeneration associated with osteoarthritis. Gingerols are associatedwith lower blood sugars and improving heart disease risk factors.Further, gingerols and other components of ginger root extract are shownto relieve symptoms of chronic indigestion and other ailments associatedwith the digestive system.

In an embodiment, a composition includes ginger root extract. The gingerroot extract may include, for example, 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol. In anembodiment, the ginger root extract is dried ginger root 1:4 extract in70% organic cane alcohol. In an embodiment, the ginger root extract isdried ginger root 1:4 extract in 60% organic cane alcohol. In anembodiment, the ginger root extract is dried ginger root 1:4 extract in80% organic cane alcohol.

FIG. 2 illustrates the chemical formula of 6-shogaol, which is a form ofshogaol. Shogaols are pungent constituents of ginger root extractsimilar in chemical structure to gingerols as shown in FIG. 1. Shogaolsas a group include 4-shogaol, 6-shogaol, 10-shogaol, and 12-shogaol,which are all found in ginger. Shogaols are artifacts formed duringstorage or through excess heat and may be created by a dehydrationreaction of gingerols.

FIG. 3 illustrates the chemical formula of propylene glycol. TheInternational Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) name forpropylene glycol is propane-1,2-diol. Propylene glycol is an organiccompound with the chemical formula CH₃CH(OH)CH₂OH. Propylene glycol is aviscous, colorless liquid that includes two alcohol groups. Propyleneglycol is miscible with a range of solvents, including water, acetone,and chloroform. In general, propylene glycol is non-irritation, has alow volatility, and a very low toxicity. Propylene glycol is chiral issometimes referred to as α-propylene glycol to distinguish from theisomer propane-1,3-diol, known as β-propylene glycol.

The oral toxicity of propylene glycol is very low, and large quantitiesare required to cause perceptible health effects in humans. Propyleneglycol is metabolized in the human body into pyruvic acid as a normalpart of the glucose-metabolism process, acetic acid, lactic acid, andpropionaldehyde. The potential for long-term oral toxicity of propyleneglycol is low and the substance is therefore recognized as safe.Propylene glycol is essentially non-irritating to human skin and otherhuman tissues.

Propylene glycol absorbs water and can be used a solvent. Becausepropylene glycol is water soluble, propylene glycol can be used inconjunction with ginger root extract and a salt to significantly improvegastrointestinal function, reduce symptoms of gas in thegastrointestinal tract, and improve overall health of thegastrointestinal system. In an embodiment, a composition includespropylene glycol, ginger root extract, and a salt. The composition isprovided to user for oral administration. The composition is effectivefor reducing or eliminating gas bubbles that are naturally present inthe gastrointestinal tract, and therefore, the composition is effectivefor reducing uncomfortable symptoms of gas in the gastrointestinaltract. The composition is especially effective because the combinationof propylene glycol and a salt increases absorption of the ginger rootextract by a body. This is a significant improvement over traditionalginger supplements known in the art.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a method 400 for reducing the presenceof gas bubbles in a gastrointestinal tract of a user. The method 400begins and a medical practitioner or computer program administers at 402a composition to a user, wherein the composition is effective forreducing the presence of gas bubbles in a gastrointestinal tract of theuser. The method 400 is such that the composition includes an effectiveamount of ginger root extract for reducing the presence of the gasbubbles in the gastrointestinal tract of the user (see 404). The method400 is such that the composition includes propylene glycol (see 406).

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a method 500 for reducing the presenceof gas bubbles in a gastrointestinal tract of a user. The method 500begins and a medical practitioner or computer program administers at 502a composition to a user, wherein the composition is effective forreducing the presence of gas bubbles in a gastrointestinal tract of theuser. The method 500 is such that the composition includes an effectiveamount of ginger root extract for reducing the presence of the gasbubbles in the gastrointestinal tract of the user (see 504). The method500 is such that the composition includes propylene glycol and sodiumchloride (see 506).

Examples

The following examples pertain to further embodiments.

Table 1 below shows an example embodiment of the composition.

TABLE 1 Component Weight Percent Total Composition Water 59.6 Propyleneglycol 20.3 Ginger root extract 11.2 Citric acid 4.6 Ascorbic acid 3.0Sodium chloride 1.2 Potassium sorbate 0.1

Table 2 below shows an example embodiment of the composition.

TABLE 2 Component Weight Percent Total Composition Water 65.2 Propyleneglycol 16.8 Ginger root extract 8.4 Citric acid 4.2 Ascorbic acid 4.2Sodium chloride 1.1 Potassium sorbate 0.1

Table 3 below shows an example embodiment of the composition.

TABLE 3 Component Weight Percent Total Composition Water 55.7 Propyleneglycol 19.4 Ginger root extract 15.7 Citric acid 3.2 Ascorbic acid 4.1Sodium chloride 1.5 Potassium sorbate 0.4

Table 4 below shows an example embodiment of the composition.

TABLE 4 Component Weight Percent Total Composition Water 47.6 Propyleneglycol 23.4 Ginger root extract 10.9 Citric acid 7.1 Ascorbic acid 8.5Sodium chloride 2.5

Table 5 below shows an example embodiment of the composition.

TABLE 5 Component Weight Percent Total Composition Water 30.4 Propyleneglycol 33.0 Ginger root extract 25.0 Citric acid 5.2 Ascorbic acid 4.8Sodium chloride 1.6

Table 6 below shows an example embodiment of the composition.

TABLE 6 Component Weight Percent Total Composition Water 22.9 Propyleneglycol 32.5 Ginger root extract 10.4 Citric acid 10.5 Ascorbic acid 9.1Sodium chloride 14.6

According to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, a compositionmay include a combination of all of the following ingredients, or some,but not all, of the following ingredients:

a) Propylene glycol;

b) Ginger root extract;

c) 6-gingerol;

d) 6-shogaol;

e) Peppermint extract;

f) Citric acid;

g) Ascorbic acid;

h) Sodium chloride;

i) Potassium sorbate; and/or

j) Water.

Embodiments of the composition may comprise, for example, concentrationsof propylene glycol as follows:

a1) from about 10 wt % to about 35 wt % the total composition;

a2) from about 10 wt % to about 45 wt % the total composition;

a3) from about 10 wt % to about 30 wt % the total composition;

a4) from about 10 wt % to about 25 wt % the total composition;

a5) from about 10 wt % to about 20 wt % the total composition;

a6) from about 10 wt % to about 15 wt % the total composition;

a7) from about 15 wt % to about 45 wt % the total composition;

a8) from about 20 wt % to about 45 wt % the total composition;

a9) from about 25 wt % to about 45 wt % the total composition;

a10) from about 30 wt % to about 45 wt % the total composition;

a11) from about 35 wt % to about 45 wt % the total composition;

a12) from about 40 wt % to about 45 wt % the total composition;

a13) from about 40 wt % to about 80 wt % the total composition;

a14) from about 30 wt % to about 90 wt % the total composition;

a15) from about 20 wt % to about 90 wt % the total composition;

a16) from about 45 wt % to about 80 wt % the total composition;

a17) from about 50 wt % to about 80 wt % the total composition;

a18) from about 60 wt % to about 80 wt % the total composition;

a19) from about 60 wt % to about 75 wt % the total composition;

a20) from about 60 wt % to about 70 wt % the total composition;

a21) from about 60 wt % to about 65 wt % the total composition;

a22) from about 50 wt % to about 70 wt % the total composition;

a23) from about 52 wt % to about 70 wt % the total composition;

a24) from about 54 wt % to about 70 wt % the total composition;

a25) from about 56 wt % to about 70 wt % the total composition;

a26) from about 58 wt % to about 70 wt % the total composition;

a27) from about 60 wt % to about 70 wt % the total composition;

a28) from about 62 wt % to about 70 wt % the total composition;

a29) from about 64 wt % to about 70 wt % the total composition;

a30) from about 66 wt % to about 70 wt % the total composition;

a31) from about 62 wt % to about 67 wt % the total composition;

a32) from about 63 wt % to about 67 wt % the total composition;

a33) from about 64 wt % to about 67 wt % the total composition; or

a34) from about 64 wt % to about 66 wt % the total composition.

Embodiments of the composition may comprise, for example, concentrationsof ginger root extract as follows:

b1) from about 3 wt % to about 15 wt % the total composition;

b2) from about 3 wt % to about 14 wt % the total composition;

b3) from about 3 wt % to about 13 wt % the total composition;

b4) from about 3 wt % to about 12 wt % the total composition;

b5) from about 3 wt % to about 11 wt % the total composition;

b6) from about 3 wt % to about 10 wt % the total composition;

b7) from about 3 wt % to about 9 wt % the total composition;

b8) from about 4 wt % to about 15 wt % the total composition;

b9) from about 5 wt % to about 15 wt % the total composition;

b10) from about 6 wt % to about 15 wt % the total composition;

b11) from about 7 wt % to about 15 wt % the total composition;

b12) from about 8 wt % to about 15 wt % the total composition;

b13) from about 7 wt % to about 9 wt % the total composition;

b14) from about 6 wt % to about 10 wt % the total composition;

b15) from about 6 wt % to about 9 wt % the total composition;

b16) from about 5 wt % to about 12 wt % the total composition;

b17) from about 5 wt % to about 10 wt % the total composition;

b18) from about 2 wt % to about 20 wt % the total composition;

b19) from about 2 wt % to about 25 wt % the total composition;

b20) from about 2 wt % to about 30 wt % the total composition;

b21) from about 2 wt % to about 35 wt % the total composition;

b22) from about 2 wt % to about 40 wt % the total composition;

b23) from about 5 wt % to about 40 wt % the total composition;

b24) from about 5 wt % to about 45 wt % the total composition; or

b25) from about 5 wt % to about 50 wt % the total composition.

Embodiments of the composition may comprise, for example, concentrationsof peppermint extract as follows:

e1) from about 3 wt % to about 15 wt % the total composition;

e2) from about 3 wt % to about 14 wt % the total composition;

e3) from about 3 wt % to about 13 wt % the total composition;

e4) from about 3 wt % to about 12 wt % the total composition;

e5) from about 3 wt % to about 11 wt % the total composition;

e6) from about 3 wt % to about 10 wt % the total composition;

e7) from about 3 wt % to about 9 wt % the total composition;

e8) from about 4 wt % to about 15 wt % the total composition;

e9) from about 5 wt % to about 15 wt % the total composition;

e10) from about 6 wt % to about 15 wt % the total composition;

e11) from about 7 wt % to about 15 wt % the total composition;

e12) from about 8 wt % to about 15 wt % the total composition;

e13) from about 7 wt % to about 9 wt % the total composition;

e14) from about 6 wt % to about 10 wt % the total composition;

e15) from about 6 wt % to about 9 wt % the total composition;

e16) from about 5 wt % to about 12 wt % the total composition;

e17) from about 5 wt % to about 10 wt % the total composition;

e18) from about 2 wt % to about 20 wt % the total composition;

e19) from about 2 wt % to about 25 wt % the total composition;

e20) from about 2 wt % to about 30 wt % the total composition;

e21) from about 2 wt % to about 35 wt % the total composition;

e22) from about 2 wt % to about 40 wt % the total composition;

e23) from about 5 wt % to about 40 wt % the total composition;

e24) from about 5 wt % to about 45 wt % the total composition; or

e25) from about 5 wt % to about 50 wt % the total composition.

Embodiments of the composition may comprise, for example, concentrationsof citric acid as follows:

f1) from about 2 wt % to about 20 wt % the total composition;

f2) from about 2 wt % to about 19 wt % the total composition;

f3) from about 2 wt % to about 18 wt % the total composition;

f4) from about 2 wt % to about 17 wt % the total composition;

f5) from about 2 wt % to about 16 wt % the total composition;

f6) from about 2 wt % to about 15 wt % the total composition;

f7) from about 1 wt % to about 10 wt % the total composition;

f8) from about 2 wt % to about 10 wt % the total composition;

f9) from about 3 wt % to about 10 wt % the total composition;

f10) from about 4 wt % to about 10 wt % the total composition;

f11) from about 5 wt % to about 10 wt % the total composition;

f12) from about 1 wt % to about 9 wt % the total composition;

f13) from about 1 wt % to about 8 wt % the total composition;

f14) from about 1 wt % to about 7 wt % the total composition;

f15) from about 1 wt % to about 6 wt % the total composition;

f16) from about 2 wt % to about 5 wt % the total composition;

f17) from about 3 wt % to about 5 wt % the total composition;

f18) from about 1 wt % to about 15 wt % the total composition;

f19) from about 1 wt % to about 20 wt % the total composition;

f20) from about 1 wt % to about 25 wt % the total composition;

f21) from about 1 wt % to about 30 wt % the total composition; or

f22) from about 1 wt % to about 35 wt % the total composition.

Embodiments of the composition may comprise, for example, concentrationsof ascorbic acid as follows:

g1) from about 2 wt % to about 20 wt % the total composition;

g2) from about 2 wt % to about 19 wt % the total composition;

g3) from about 2 wt % to about 18 wt % the total composition;

g4) from about 2 wt % to about 17 wt % the total composition;

g5) from about 2 wt % to about 16 wt % the total composition;

g6) from about 2 wt % to about 15 wt % the total composition;

g7) from about 1 wt % to about 10 wt % the total composition;

g8) from about 2 wt % to about 10 wt % the total composition;

g9) from about 3 wt % to about 10 wt % the total composition;

g10) from about 4 wt % to about 10 wt % the total composition;

g11) from about 5 wt % to about 10 wt % the total composition;

g12) from about 1 wt % to about 9 wt % the total composition;

g13) from about 1 wt % to about 8 wt % the total composition;

g14) from about 1 wt % to about 7 wt % the total composition;

g15) from about 1 wt % to about 6 wt % the total composition;

g16) from about 2 wt % to about 5 wt % the total composition;

g17) from about 3 wt % to about 5 wt % the total composition;

g18) from about 1 wt % to about 15 wt % the total composition;

g19) from about 1 wt % to about 20 wt % the total composition;

g20) from about 1 wt % to about 25 wt % the total composition;

g21) from about 1 wt % to about 30 wt % the total composition; or

g22) from about 1 wt % to about 35 wt % the total composition.

Embodiments of the disclosure may comprise, for example, concentrationsof sodium chloride as follows:

h1) from about 1 wt % to about 30 wt % the total composition;

h2) from about 1 wt % to about 40 wt % the total composition;

h3) from about 1 wt % to about 25 wt % the total composition;

h4) from about 1 wt % to about 23 wt % the total composition;

h5) from about 1 wt % to about 20 wt % the total composition;

h6) from about 1 wt % to about 18 wt % the total composition;

h7) from about 1 wt % to about 15 wt % the total composition;

h8) from about 1 wt % to about 13 wt % the total composition;

h9) from about 1 wt % to about 10 wt % the total composition;

h10) from about 1 wt % to about 8 wt % the total composition;

h11) from about 1 wt % to about 5 wt % the total composition;

h12) from about 1 wt % to about 3 wt % the total composition;

h13) from about 1 wt % to about 2 wt % the total composition;

h14) from about 3 wt % to about 30 wt % the total composition;

h15) from about 5 wt % to about 30 wt % the total composition;

h16) from about 8 wt % to about 30 wt % the total composition;

h17) from about 10 wt % to about 30 wt % the total composition;

h18) from about 13 wt % to about 30 wt % the total composition;

h19) from about 15 wt % to about 30 wt % the total composition;

h20) from about 18 wt % to about 30 wt % the total composition;

h21) from about 20 wt % to about 30 wt % the total composition;

h22) from about 25 wt % to about 30 wt % the total composition;

The foregoing percentages, concentrations, and ratios are presented byexample only and are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit thedisclosure to the precise percentages, concentrations, and ratiosdisclosed. It should be appreciated that each value that falls within adisclosed range is disclosed as if it were individually disclosed as setforth herein. For example, a range indicating a weight percent fromabout 8% to about 14% additionally includes ranges beginning or endingwith all values within that range, including for example a rangebeginning at 8.1%, 8.2%, 8.3%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, and so forth.

Also, according to one or more non-limiting embodiments of thedisclosure, any of the concentrations for ingredients for a combinationof the ingredients (a) thru (i), for example, as listed above, mayindicate the concentration for other ingredients listed above.

Example 1 is a composition. The composition includes an effective amountof ginger root extract for reducing gas bubbles in a gastrointestinaltract. The composition includes propylene glycol.

Example 2 is a composition as in Example 1, further comprising one ormore of citric acid or ascorbic acid.

Example 3 is a composition as in any of Examples 1-2, further comprisingone or more of sodium chloride or potassium sorbate.

Example 4 is a composition as in any of Examples 1-3, wherein theeffective amount of the ginger root extract comprises from about 4 wt %to about 25 wt % the composition.

Example 5 is a composition as in any of Examples 1-4, wherein thepropylene glycol comprises from about 10 wt % to about 30 wt % thecomposition.

Example 6 is a composition as in any of Examples 1-5, further comprisingwater, wherein the water comprises from about 50 wt % to about 85 wt %the composition.

Example 7 is a composition as in any of Examples 1-6, wherein thecomposition is prepared for oral administration.

Example 8 is a composition as in any of Examples 1-7, wherein thecomposition is prepared for intravenous or intramuscular administration.

Example 9 is a composition as in any of Examples 1-8, wherein theeffective amount of the ginger root extract comprises 6-gingerol and6-shogaol.

Example 10 is a composition as in any of Examples 1-9, wherein thecomposition is water soluble.

Example 11 is a method. The method includes providing a composition to auser for reducing gas bubbles in a gastrointestinal tract of the user.The composition includes an effective amount of ginger root extract forreducing the gas bubbles in the gastrointestinal tract of the user. Thecomposition includes propylene glycol.

Example 12 is a method as in Example 11, wherein the composition furthercomprises one or more of citric acid or ascorbic acid.

Example 13 is a method as in any of Examples 11-12, wherein thecomposition further comprises one or more of sodium chloride orpotassium sorbate.

Example 14 is a method as in any of Examples 11-13, wherein theeffective amount of the ginger root extract comprises from about 4 wt %to about 25 wt % the composition.

Example 15 is a method as in any of Examples 11-14, wherein thepropylene glycol comprises from about 10 wt % to about 30 wt % thecomposition.

Example 16 is a method as in any of Examples 11-15, wherein thecomposition further comprises water, and wherein the water comprisesfrom about 50 wt % to about 85 wt % the composition.

Example 17 is a method as in any of Examples 11-16, wherein thecomposition is prepared for oral administration.

Example 18 is a method as in any of Examples 11-17, wherein thecomposition is prepared for intravenous or intramuscular administration.

Example 19 is a method as in any of Examples 11-18, wherein theeffective amount of the ginger root extract comprises 6-gingerol and6-shogaol.

Example 20 is a method as in any of Examples 11-19, wherein thecomposition is water soluble.

The foregoing description has been presented for purposes ofillustration. It is not exhaustive and does not limit the invention tothe precise forms or embodiments disclosed. Modifications andadaptations will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromconsideration of the specification and practice of the disclosedembodiments. For example, components described herein may be removed andother components added without departing from the scope or spirit of theembodiments disclosed herein or the appended claims.

Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromconsideration of the specification and practice of the disclosuredisclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples beconsidered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of theinvention being indicated by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A composition comprising: an effective amount ofginger root extract for reducing gas in a gastrointestinal tract of auser; propylene glycol; and sodium chloride.
 2. The composition of claim1, further comprising one or more of citric acid or ascorbic acid. 3.The composition of claim 1, wherein the propylene glycol is an effectiveamount of propylene glycol for making the composition water soluble andincreasing absorption by the user of the effective amount of the gingerroot extract.
 4. The composition of claim 1, wherein the effectiveamount of the ginger root extract comprises from about 3 wt % to about25 wt % the composition.
 5. The composition of claim 1, wherein thepropylene glycol comprises from about 10 wt % to about 40 wt % thecomposition.
 6. The composition of claim 1, further comprising water,wherein the water comprises from about 20 wt % to about 85 wt % thecomposition.
 7. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition isprepared for oral administration.
 8. The composition of claim 1, whereinthe composition is prepared for intravenous or intramuscularadministration.
 9. The composition of claim 1, wherein the effectiveamount of the ginger root extract comprises 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol.10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition is watersoluble.
 11. A method comprising: providing a composition to a user forreducing gas in a gastrointestinal tract of the user, wherein thecomposition comprises: an effective amount of ginger root extract forreducing the gas in the gastrointestinal tract of the user; propyleneglycol; and sodium chloride.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein thecomposition further comprises one or more of citric acid or ascorbicacid.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the propylene glycol is aneffective amount of propylene glycol for making the composition watersoluble and increasing absorption by the user of the effective amount ofthe ginger root extract.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein theeffective amount of the ginger root extract comprises from about 3 wt %to about 25 wt % the composition.
 15. The method of claim 11, whereinthe propylene glycol comprises from about 10 wt % to about 40 wt % thecomposition.
 16. The method of claim 11, wherein the composition furthercomprises water, and wherein the water comprises from about 20 wt % toabout 85 wt % the composition.
 17. The method of claim 11, wherein thecomposition is prepared for oral administration.
 18. The method of claim11, wherein the composition is prepared for intravenous or intramuscularadministration.
 19. The method of claim 11, wherein the effective amountof the ginger root extract comprises 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol.
 20. Themethod of claim 11, wherein the composition is water soluble.